2018 USMST Physicians Soccer Summit

The 2018 USMST Physicians Soccer Summit

Play Soccer! Earn CME credits! Network! Make lifelong friendships!

Introduction
As physicians, we inherently lead a hectic lifestyle devoted to caring for our patients and improving the health of society. Sacrifices made while getting through our education and training persist throughout our lives as we balance our profession with family, social obligations, and if we’re lucky, leisure. You are in a unique and exclusive cohort as a soccer playing physician. Studies have confirmed that years of long days, sleepless nights, and mental exhaustion invariably lead most physicians into sedentary lifestyles or the abyss of golf. Soccer is considered one of the most physically demanding sports on the planet, however it is widely being hailed as a sport that can lead to sustained physical and mental benefits if played over the course of a lifetime.

The US Medical Soccer Team has brought together like-minded physicians passionate about soccer since 2010. Our team has competed around the globe in the annual World Medical Football Championships (“The Physicians World Cup”), representing the United States in an international physicians soccer tournament, while also committing our organization to education and community service. We are now excited to bring our passions to more physicians around the United States.

The Event
The Physicians Soccer Summit is a three day event for physicians focused on friendship, soccer, and education. Participants will be divided into teams and compete in a round-robin format soccer tournament, playing three games total with unlimited substitutions. Plenty of practice time with the USMST coaches will enhance your skills. A medical conference, “The USMST Congress on Sport and Health”, will accompany the soccer and provide a forum for participants to interact professionally, network, and disseminate knowledge. Each evening will bring social activities geared towards participants and significant others, focused on friendship and team building.

Dates: February 9-11, 2018 (start February 9 at 8:00am, end by February 11 at noon)

Cost:$650 per physician. This is an inclusive cost for this 3 day event and includes soccer jerseys, daily breakfast, Saturday dinner, conference registration and CME credits. Additional fees through the Eventbrite registration service are not included (approximately $38).

The Soccer
All registrants will be placed on a team based on age, experience, and position. Our experienced coaches will be working with each team in practice sessions and the games to ensure an outstanding soccer experience. Each player will participate in three full games over the weekend (each half lasting 30-40 minutes, depending on team numbers). The last game will end by 12pm on Sunday, February 11th. All matches will take place at the George Allen Field at Long Beach State University. This outstanding soccer facility, home to the Long Beach State NCAA soccer teams, was the official venue for the 2015 World Medical Football Championships and is easily accessible within the greater Los Angeles area.

The Congress
The USMST Congress on Sport and Health will take place on Friday and Saturday morning at the Renaissance Hotel, Long Beach, prior to the soccer matches. Participants will get to share in a networking breakfast and be engaged in a number of outstanding presentations centered on sports-related health topics. Participants will be encouraged to submit abstracts, and selected presentations will be given an incredible opportunity to address the Congress, along with selected guest keynote speakers. AMA Category 1 CME credits will be awarded to all attendees.

Here is last year’s agenda – we’re sure to have a similar slate of outstanding talks this year!:

Exercise is Medicine. But What is the Optimal Dose? Gautam Nayak, MD; Wenatchee, WASports Drinks are Better than Water: Myth or Truth? Juan Carlos Velez, MD; New Orleans, LAWearable Fitness Devices: Are they Ready for Prime Time in Clinical Settings? Felipe Lobelo, MD; Atlanta, GA40 Winks is as Vital as the 40 Yard Dash Suraj Achar, MD; San Diego, CA

Social Events
The networking starts every morning with breakfast at the USMST Congress on Sport and Health. A Friday evening happy hour at the Renaissance Hotel will be a welcome reprieve at the end of the first full day of soccer. A gala dinner on Saturday night will be a great opportunity to socialize and enjoy Southern California hospitality. An awards ceremony after the last matches on Sunday will conclude this great weekend of soccer, education and friendship.

Take part in a unique and fun event for physicians passionate about soccer, education and friendship. You won’t want to miss it. Spots are limited so register now!

Each year, USMST competes in the World Medical Football Championship (The Physicians World Cup), which brings us together for an incredible week of international soccer, medical education and most importantly, fun. We field two squads: An Open team and a Masters (45 and over) team. In order to be considered for either squad, you must attend the Physicians Soccer Summit, commit to attending two additional practice weekends, and of course, join us for the full week in Prague, Czech Republic, site of the 2018 WMFC. Team dues to join the team in Austria will be an additional $800-$1000 per physician, which covers the two additional practices, coaching expenses, and miscellaneous team costs. If you’re interested, block the dates and come to Long Beach in February, 2018 for the Physicians Soccer Summit, which is the first step. We have very limited spots on the team, but we are always looking for new friends to join us.